Our Beach House

Back in the day before Nags Head became OBX, there was a scatter of little cabins along the beachfront. They were affordable enough for a couple to spend a week in asbestos or cedar sided two-bedroom cabin with a dinette kitchen combo and a shower stall. Electricity and running beach flavored water were available but no air-conditioning. There were beds and chairs and pots and pans but everything else had to be brought in.

There was a fairly large deck beyond the screen door with a few steps down to the sand. Simple beach living that was perfect. Shoes not required.

So for a honeymoon, I rented this cabin. I believe it was in September (after the summer price boost) off-season and packed the mustang with all the latest purchases and off to the beach. Picked up the key and found it fairly easily even without GPS.

Heather kicked off her shoes and immediately stepped on a sand spur so got carried across the threshold. It was still a bit cloudy because we had just missed a hurricane but my recommendation is ‘this’ is the best time to go to the beach.

The first day was a bit chilly and rainy but a windbreaker and a walk in the sand made us beachcombers immediately. The second day the sun came out and the beach was vacant. It seems everyone else had cancelled reservations for the week so we had an exclusive beach. Some local surfers and a few fishermen, all very friendly were our only neighbors.

I don’t remember cooking anything because it is fairly windy to grill but I do remember walking down the beach and then just stopping into a local dining establish for an ice cold refreshing drink. With most places completely empty we got extraordinary service and bargains like free nachos or 2-for-1 beer prices. Even the Brew Thru was friendly enough to bring us back again and again.

The week was spent on the beach, on the deck, in the water or in the bed. I’d brought a radio for music but the ocean roar was more soothing. The seagulls soon figured a friend in Heather’s constant feeding and even Jiminey Cricket in the shower was treated well.

The week ended too soon and the car had to be refilled with damp clothing and luckily started after sitting for a week and we had to say ‘Good-Bye’ to our little cabin on the sand.

The last time I went back an entire row of 3-story behemoths walled the ocean away from view. I thought about another trip back but I couldn’t see renting a place that held two dozen for the prices they were asking but couldn’t find any little jewels like this cabin.

It was the perfect honeymoon at the perfect place with lots of memories, all good.